Driftwood 7s Kicks Off in Mombasa

By Harrison Kivisu

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Mombasa rugby chairman Rogers Lai has confirmed that the 2025 Driftwood 7s, the opening leg of the national sevens circuit (NSC) will serve as a scouting platform for national team selectors.

Speaking during the official media launch at the Mombasa Sports Club on July 25, 2025, Lai emphasised that only players actively participating in the NSC will be eligible for national team selection.

“This tournament is not just about competition-it about giving players a chance to be noticed and move up to the national level,” he said.

“Scouts are watching, and performance here could be the stepping stone to representing Kenya.”

The chairman said the absence of Uganda and Tanzania that had initially been invited to participate in the Mombasa edition was due to logistical challenges but remained optimistic about future participation.

“We had reached out to Uganda through their circuit. We wanted their national team here, and there’s a provision for that. Unfortunately, due to logistics, they couldn’t make it this time.

But in the next tournament, you will see Uganda, Tanzania, and perhaps another foreign country. Our goal is to elevate the competition by bringing in regional teams.”

On the subject of alcohol at the event-sponsored in part by Tusker Lager, he defended the presence of alcohol brands and fans enjoying drinks, stating a clear separation between athletes and spectators.

“When Tusker comes in, it’s just part of the entertainment,” Lai said.

“We must differentiate entertainment and the sport itself.”

On the field, defending NSC champions Kenya Harlequin headline a competitive Pool A, alongside Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad, Masinde Muliro University (MMUST), and Mwamba RFC.

Quins return to the venue with fond memories, having edged out then-defending champions Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) 15-12 in a dramatic final last year.

Another run to the final in Mombasa would require them to survive a tough pool and make a strong push through the knockout rounds.

Blak Blad and MMUST are also seeking to build on their strong performances from the previous edition.

Blak Blad notably stunned tournament favourites Kabras Sugar with a 22-10 victory, securing a third-place finish. They closed the season with 51 points, a 50 percent improvement from 2023.

Winners of this year’s Driftwood 7s will walk away with cash prizes and trophies, thanks to support from key sponsors.

With strong corporate support and high-level competition, the 2025 Driftwood 7s is more than just a rugby tournament—it’s a celebration of sport, community, and growth.

The success of the Driftwood 7s and the broader 2025 NSC is made possible through a robust lineup of sponsors and partners:

The sponsors are Circuit Title Sponsor: SportPesa, Host Partner: Mombasa Sports Club,Official Communications Partner: JTL – Faiba, Mainstream Media Partner: Radio Africa Group, Banking Partner: Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB).

Others are Medical Partner: AAR, Alcoholic Beverage & Entertainment Partner: Tusker Hydration Partner: Kabarnet / Magic Drink (Khetia’s Drapers Ltd)Nutrition Partners: Punda Milia, Pwani Magic Juice Security Partner: CRIMESHIELD Security Ltd.

Also present are Insurance Partner: Madison Insurance Energy Partner: Total Energies,FMCG Partner: Mombasa Maiza Millers – Unga Taifa Advertising & Marketing Partner: Listen Media, Ticketing Partner: Tikohub among others.